Certified Sommelier Practice Exam

Cote Rotie's red wines are primarily composed of which varietal?

1. Grenache

2. Syrah

3. Mourvèdre

4. Tempranillo

The correct answer is: Syrah

Côte-Rôtie, a prestigious wine region in the northern Rhône Valley of France, is renowned for its exceptional red wines primarily made from the Syrah varietal. This region benefits from its steep, terraced vineyards, which produce deeply flavored, full-bodied wines characterized by their rich aromas of dark fruits, smoke, and sometimes floral notes. While it is true that Côte-Rôtie wines can include a small percentage of other grapes, particularly Viognier, the core of its production is Syrah. This varietal thrives in the specific climate and soil conditions of the region, contributing to the wine's complexity and structure. The other varietals mentioned do not reflect the primary composition of Côte-Rôtie's red wines. Grenache and Mourvèdre, for example, are more commonly associated with the southern Rhône and regions like Châteauneuf-du-Pape, while Tempranillo is primarily linked to Spanish wines. Thus, Syrah is definitively recognized as the foundational varietal for Côte-Rôtie, establishing its identity in the world of fine wine.